Is Jersey City New York City’s ‘Sixth Borough’?

The city picked up the nickname for its proximity to New York City and its close relationship with its sister city. After all, thousands of Jersey City and Hudson County residents commute across the Hudson every day for business or pleasure, and the two cities have undeniably established constant cross-cultural exchange.

The name has even been taken up by a sports lounge and restaurant that took the place of Powerhouse Lounge on Marin Boulevard in March and the 6th Borough Market, which includes vintage goods, crafts, art, food and more and will be held monthly behind City Hall. (The market runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 18, June 22, July 20, August 10, Sept. 14 and Oct. 19.)

But does the term take away from Jersey City’s individualism? From its Jersey Strong identity? Some say the term writes JC off as part of NYC instead of letting it escape the Big Apple’s shadow.

Market founder and organizer Kate Howe said she came up with the name while looking for nicknames that already existed for this area. “There was a variety of ones like Chilltown, but nothing seemed to fit, but then 6th Borough seemed fun and clever,” she said. “We see Jersey City as part of the Greater New York City metropolitan area. We’re not trying to be part of NYC and it’s not that we wish we were. We just think that we are part of that area.”

According to the 6th Borough Market’s website, organizers believe “there is no such place as the 6th Borough.”

“It is a mythical place — like Camelot or Atlantis — to which we ascribe our own characteristics and meaning. To us, the 6th Borough is that mythical place where we can have all the benefits of urban living, with fewer of the drawbacks,” the website says.

“It is the best of both worlds: a place where we can raise our families and enjoy our friends with all the benefits of diversity and world-class culture, while also enjoying the benefits of green parks, strong neighborhoods, and room to grow.”

Mythical or not, some locals have real feelings about the 6th Borough designation. For example, one Yelp user gave 6th Borough Lounge one star, saying, “I would not go just based off the name.”

What do you think? Is the term “Sixth Borough” good or bad for Jersey City?

One thought on “Is Jersey City New York City’s ‘Sixth Borough’?”

The term was created by several NYC blogs on real estate. I moved from NYC 32 years ago to JC and no one I know uses that term. I also know plenty who swear they won’t shop at anywhere that uses that reference.